Listener 4483: A Little Ray Of Sunshine

[Alekhine]

A pleasant, if lightweight, distraction.

At least the weekend is clear for those of us who choose to sit in traffic.

A Happy New Year to all.

[Liathach]

We seem to have posted almost simultaneously!

[starwalker]

Yes, this was fairly typical Jago fare. Not sure why it was put up earlier than normal, but at least it frees me for the weekend. A somewhat tame end to the Listener year. Thanks Jago.

[IainGrace]

Entertaining, but one would have welcomed fewer entry level clues. Happy New Year to all.

[olichant]

Enjoyable. If I were in a grumbly mood, it would have been nice to see more thematic density here. But I'm not in a grumbly mood. Happy New Year to everyone here.

If it's of any interest, I was going to suggest setting up a thread to "vote" (in the loosest sense) on everyone's favourite five puzzles of the year. I'd be really interested to discuss what's particularly resonated with everyone.

[olichant]

Agh - I retract my comment about thematic density, and feel a bit silly. Sorry, Jago - that was seriously wrong of me.

[Hagen]

Indeed, very easy indeed though still enjoyable. I'd have preferred this to have appeared last week and vice versa. Obviously I don't expect the Listener editors to tailor the puzzles to my schedule, but I'd have thought that quite a few people wouldn't have much time for tough crosswords just before Christmas, whereas a hard puzzle is appreciated the following week when we're trying to be abstemious before New Year? Perhaps that's just me...

[Cruncher]

A gentle end to the year. All the best for 2018

[midazolam]

We should really be calling the setter "30 minute Jago", however putting aside the overly easy clues, this has a neat construction/endgame. It is perfect to entice new solvers and I have sent it to someone who hasn't solved the Listener before, but regularly does the daily cryptics. For those who want more of a challenge, January Magpie has some excellent (and tricky) puzzles. Also there is today's IQ that is worth a look.

[sunny-dave]

Very gentle, but very pleasing - thanks Jago.

I think the occasional puzzle of this level of difficulty is fine - we need to get some new solvers interested at some point.

Having established that it was going to be at the 'easy' end of the spectrum, I put away all books and internet and solved it just with a pencil and paper - which was a nice change - perhaps the setters could flag the occasional puzzle as being of this type?

HNY everyone

SDx

[sunny-dave]

If anyone is at a loose end, can I recommend today's excellent IQ1523 - a belter of a puzzle (better than quite a few recent Listeners, I think).

[HappyUncle]

I think Starwalker's comment about 'typical Jago fare' sums it up, right down to the incorporation of a bit of local geography. I'm surprised that Alekhine refrained from excoriating it and that others have found it entertaining and enjoyable. Well, up to a point, Lord Copper ... but Not Really a Listener.

I am in Happy mode only in order to wish one and all a similar New Year.

[12barblues]

Happy New Year to all. Little to add to the above, a very quick solve, a pleasing endgame. Now to put some folds in last week’s and then complete the one I missed travelling. 12bar.

[Alekhine]

Sorry to let the side down, HappyUncle. Blame my seasonal bonhomie.

I resolve to do better in 2018. Pass me the bitter pills.

[olichant]

The eagerly-awaited (!) thread is here, if anyone is interested: https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1587507.html